Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has condemned the zoning of political offices, saying that it is barbaric and does not allow credible candidates to emerge.

He stated this while on a facility tour of Owerri North and Aboh Mbaise local government areas.

Okorocha frowned at the practice of zoning, saying that it has contributed heavily to the woes of the masses and slow pace of development. He declared that gone are the days when people were deceived by the argument in favour of zoning, advising that people should consider the quality and credibility of every candidate as a yardstick for voting rather than zoning.

The governor highlighted some of the landmark achievements of his administration, ranging from massive road construction to free education and a secure environment devoid of crime and violence. He assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would consolidate on the progress made so far by his administration while he maintained that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would take the state backwards if they are allowed in.

Okorocha disclosed that his administration approved 20.66 kilometres of roads for Owerri North, with N1.239 billion approved for their construction whereas about N880 million has been paid to contractors. He promised to reconstruct more roads. He warned contractors handling government project to work according to specifications and schedule pointing out that about 17 contractors were locked up presently for such offences.

Speaking earlier, the transition committee Chairman of Owerri North Engr. Chuks Ololo, commended the governor on his giant strides and for appointing many of their people into his EXCO. He assured the governor of their unalloyed support and solidarity.

In his speech, the Chief of Staff, Imo Government House Sir, Jude Ejiogu, stated that Governor Okorocha has beaten his predecessors in terms of landmark achievements. He noted that the governor accommodated many sons of the area into his cabinet, thus proving himself a true friend of Owerri North. Ejiogu challenged the people not to be deceived by selfish politicians who would presents various empty promises.

The Chairman of Ndi-Eze Owerri North, HRH, Eze Emmanuel Okoro, on behalf of other traditional rulers in the area pleaded for the pardoning of one of them who was suspended sometime ago. He enjoined the governor to embark on facility tour frequently to get first hard information which would move the communities and state forward.

While at Aboh Mbaise Owelle Okorocha promised to complete all on-going projects and do more, he disclosed that in less than one year the Imo State University, Mbaise Campus building will be put in place.

The governor regretted that out of about 16.1 kilometres of road approved for the area only 6.1 km was asphalted and N990m was approved whereas N37m was paid. He called for more priority roads from the area for immediate attention. Okorocha ordered the arrest of some contractors in that local government who failed to work according to specification as a deterrent to others.

•Photo shows Dr. C. Ukpabi, the TC Chairman of Aboh Mbaise, introducing Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, Snr. Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, to Okorocha during the governor’s tour of the council area.

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